I wasn't sure just where to post this and it hardly seems worthy of this forum, but I have a condition that my GP calls ' leaking veins'. I elevate my legs at night so in the morning my ankles will be nearly normal in size. However, as the day wears on my ankles swell with pitting edema, my left becomes the size of a fence post. They're not painful, just uncomfortable. I've been told to wear the special stockings and I've tried them but they do very little and they look terrible with shorts. Ace bandages loosen and slough down after a while. Anyone have experience with this and know of a better way to deal with it? Thanks in advance.Bryon

I assume your physician has dx you with peripheral edema. Edema is observable swelling from fluid accumulation in body tissues. Edema most commonly occurs in the feet and legs, where it is referred to as peripheral edema.

Has your physician told you what is causing your edema and are you on any medication for the edema?

You may want to cut back on your salt intake. I know the compression stockings are a pain but there are many different brands to choose from and they do come in colors. Ace wraps are truly cumbersome and would be very hot to wear in warm weather.

Hi KittYour assumption of peripheral edema is correct. I haven't been made aware of any medication for the condition by any of the physicians I've consulted. They explained the cause ( leaking veins ) and suggested compression socks and to elevate my legs whenever possible. They didn't seem too concerned about it but I can't help thinking this has to be detrimental eventually if not treated. If there is a medication that will help, I'm all for it. I guess I know what would REALLY improve my overall health and that is exercise, correct diet and correct body weight. Three things that seem light years out of reach. Maybe I could hire someone to hold a gun on me until I relent.Thanks for the input.My best wishes all week.Bryon

Hi Byron,Welcome to Healing Well! I had a blood clot behind my knee, which caused the veins nearby to have inoperative valves. Therefore, the blood pools in the leg, and I'm at risk for something called Post Thrombotic Syndrome (PTS). Because of that I do wear thigh high compression stockings 30-40 pressure.

I know I am one of the few people who are following their doctor's advice regarding this, as I never see anyone else wearing them. I don't wear shorts, but do wear capris, and the stockings aren't beautiful, but compared to the symptoms of swelling, ulcers, etc. that I can get by allowing blood to pool in my leg, it's a small price to pay.

They're hot, annoying, and hard to put on, but I wear them every day, because I know that it helps. I would say this. If you've already got symptoms, then I would guess it will take some time consistently wearing them to make any change.

When it's hot I only wear one on the blood clot leg, but other times, I wear them on both legs. I do this because it is so obvious that the leg that has the stocking is is much better shape than the other leg--even though it didn't have a clot. Circulation to lower legs isn't great at best.

So...I know they're not fun, but I'd give the stockings a chance before assuming they aren't helping.Just my take.I hope you find an answer soon!Denise

Hi, I have a friend who is a girl aged 20 who has been told by her doctor that she has kidney problems and who has to have a special diet. Just recently she has developed red stains just under the skin on her hands which appears to be caused by small capillary veins leaking. The areas are painful. She lives in Ukraine.Any advice will be very gratefully received.

Hello and welcome to healingWell. I am sorry to read of your friends problems and wish we could help. However this is the GERD/Heartburn forum and you may find member with more experience with kidney disease in the Kidney Diseases & Disorders Forum.

Why not start a new post in the Kidney Forum and post your question ? This wil also give you the opportunity to introduce yourself to the members.

This is done by clicking on the 'new topic' button which will open a new thread for you to post your introduction. This will help members see your first post. It is best to start your own 1st thread rather than attach it to an old thread that way you will get more responses.

I wish your friend the very best and you are truly a good friend to her.